First Artwork by Humanoid Robot Sells for $1.3 Million

Photo : AFP

A portrait of English mathematician Alan Turing has made history as the first artwork created by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction. The striking painting, titled *A.I. God*, was sold for an astonishing $1.32 million on Thursday during Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale in London, far exceeding the pre-sale estimate of $180,000. 

The ultra-realistic robot artist, Ai-Da, created the portrait, marking a significant moment in the intersection of art, technology, and artificial intelligence. Ai-Da is widely recognized as the world's first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist, and this sale represents a milestone in modern and contemporary art. Sotheby’s described the achievement as a turning point, reflecting how artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping the art world.

Ai-Da is a 2.2-meter (7.5-foot) humanoid robot designed with lifelike features, including a human-like face, large eyes, and a brown wig. The robot's creation is the result of collaboration between Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art, and artificial intelligence experts from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham in England. Ai-Da’s name pays homage to Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

According to Ai-Da, the key value of her artwork is to spark conversation about emerging technologies. “The portrait of Alan Turing invites viewers to reflect on the god-like nature of AI and computing while also considering the ethical and societal implications of these advancements,” she remarked. 

The portrait itself is a reflection on Turing’s legacy as a codebreaker during World War II, mathematician, and early computer scientist, who was a pioneer in the development of artificial intelligence. The artwork, with its “muted tones and broken facial planes,” is seen by many as a subtle nod to the struggles that Turing himself warned about concerning the use of AI and its potential dangers. The painting’s mood evokes a haunting quality, prompting discussions about the global race to harness AI’s power and the ethical questions surrounding its future.

Ai-Da’s artwork was generated through a process where the robot used cameras in her eyes to view an image of Turing. She then synthesized this image to create her own interpretation, guided by a discussion about “A.I. for good.” Ai-Da was asked to determine the style, color, tone, and texture of the painting, making this piece a truly collaborative effort between the robot and her human creators.

Aidan Meller, the mastermind behind Ai-Da, expressed that the robot was the ideal artist to comment on the role of technology in society. “The greatest artists in history grappled with their periods of time and celebrated as well as questioned society’s shifts,” Meller said. “Ai-Da Robot, as technology, is the perfect artist today to discuss the current developments with technology and its unfolding legacy.”

As Ai-Da continues to create artwork and challenge perceptions of what it means to be an artist, this groundbreaking sale serves as a testament to the potential of artificial intelligence in the art world, raising important questions about the role of machines in creative expression. With the sale of *A.I. God*, Ai-Da has not only broken records but has also ignited broader conversations about the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of art.

#trending #latest #AIArt #HumanoidRobot #DigitalArt #ArtAndTechnology #Sothebys #AlanTuring #AIArtistry #ArtAuction #AIDaRobot #ArtificialIntelligence #TechInArt #ModernArt #ContemporaryArt #AI #RobotArtist #AIandArt #ArtInnovation #FutureOfArt #MachineLearning #AIandEthics #RobotCreativity #AIForGood #ArtificialIntelligenceArt #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Rescue team gave lifesaving care before airlifting the injured to the hospital...Read More.

Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi attended the launch of the 10th Sharjah International Cycling Tour, with the first stage covering 132.91 km from Al Majaz...Read More.